by Debby Stewart,
Dean of Students, Community College of Vermont
You chose the classes, signed all the papers, and bought (or
rented) your textbooks. Getting to this point has taken a fair amount of
preparation, but now what? Launching into the semester can feel a bit like starting
a marathon. Sure, you’re excited but the finish line is miles away and there’s
a good deal of work (and some apprehension) between you and that moment of
completion with its ice cream, cheering fans, and photo finish.
So…how to get from here to there? Whether it’s one class or
four, online or on-ground, there are some simple things you can do during your
first weeks of the semester that will help you to be successful over the long
haul, and—most importantly perhaps—make this experience one you want to
remember!
#1 - Ask Questions
For most of us, entering college is like being part of a
whole new world. There are new processes and terminology. Even if you've been
to another college or taken different classes at CCV, there are bound to be
differences. The most successful college students ask questions early and
often!
So don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or feedback from
faculty and staff. They want you to succeed and will appreciate your
willingness to do your best. In fact, asking questions is one of the best ways
to distinguish yourself as a serious student.
#2 – Bring On the Meet & Greet
Take some time at break or outside of class to introduce
yourself to others. Worried you won’t have anything to say? Start by asking
questions about your classmates, why they chose a class, what they want to do
with their lives, how they juggle their different responsibilities. Most people
enjoy talking about themselves, so a few open-ended questions can really break
the ice.
Getting to know your classmates will not only make the
semester a more satisfying experience for you, it may help you learn more and
retain it longer. Collaborative learning is a type of activity when students
work together in small groups to solve problems and complete tasks. Many CCV
faculty use collaborative learning, for the benefits it offers students, but
even if you don’t find yourself using it in class, you can use your
introductions to pave the way for study groups and other helpful discussions.
#3 - Try a Different Perspective
One of the most rewarding aspects of being in college is
meeting people who are different from us. It’s one of the reasons we travel to
new destinations, try new experiences, or entertain ourselves with the tales of
different characters. While it’s meaningful to work with new people, it can
also present us with challenges, particularly if we haven’t had a lot of
practice.
To get the most from the experience of working with other
people in your class, try listening empathetically—seeing it from the other person’s
perspective—first. Seek to understand by asking clarifying questions. If you
find yourself disagreeing strongly with something that’s been expressed, take a
moment to understand your own thoughts before speaking. When you’re ready to
express your disagreement, focus on the ideas or actions, not the person
speaking them. Be respectful. It can be difficult to give and receive criticism
or manage disagreement, but this too is an important part of working
effectively with others.
#4 - Prepare Your Pep Talk
No matter how well you plan for the semester, you will
probably encounter some unanticipated obstacle or problem. It’s the one
constant in life! If this is your first semester at college, you may even begin
wondering just why you wanted to start in the first place. Changing your life—like running a marathon—is
challenging work, the kind we take one quarter-mile at a time.
That’s why it’s important to know, right now, what you’re
going to say to yourself when things get tough, when you face that long, steep
climb up a hill, and when you feel like giving up. Think about the reasons you
want a college education, visualize yourself walking across the stage to get your
associate’s degree (the cheers of your adoring family and friends), and remind
yourself of things you’ve accomplished in the past, things that were hard but
worthwhile. Write down these thoughts now—while you’re excited and fresh—so you’ll
have them when they’re needed. And talk with your most supportive family and
friends: give them an assignment! Ask them to cheer you on—and treat you to a
cup of coffee and a sympathetic ear—when you find yourself discouraged. In
fact, make a date now for somewhere around the halfway or three-quarter point.
